Download SkyScan Lightning Detector/Storm Detector - Manual -

14, 2002
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SkyScan Lightning
Detector/Storm Detector
- Manual INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You have purchased the finest personal, portable lightning/
storm detector available today. SkyScan gives you advance weather warning
technology you can use at home, indoors or out, and take wherever you go, for
any kind of outdoor sports and recreation.
Your SkyScan offers you the ability to detect the presence of lightning/ thunderstorm activity occurring within 40 miles of your location. SkyScan detects the
characteristic electromagnetic emissions from individual lightning strokes and
uses patented technology to determine the distance to the detected stroke. The
distances are indicated in four ranges: 0-3 miles; 3-8 miles; 8-20 miles; and 2040 miles. This allows you to track the approach of dangerous storm activity.
IMPORTANT! SkyScan uses the latest electronic and computer technology to
provide the most accurate information possible. However, thunderstorms are a
dangerous and rapidly changing weather phenomenon. The information about
storm activity obtained from your SkyScan should always be used in conjunction
with information from your local weather professionals. Common sense and
extreme caution should always be used when confronting lightning and
thunderstorm activity.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Each time SkyScan detects a lightning stroke, it emits an audible warning tone
(if this feature has been turned on by the user; see Section 5 in Basic Operation)
and lights the Range indicator column. The full column stays lit for
approximately 3 seconds. The single indicator corresponding to the range of
detected stroke will then blink for approximately 25 seconds. This feature allows
you to quickly see the distance to the last, closest detected stroke without
waiting for SkyScan to detect a new stroke.
VERY IMPORTANT! Because the average stroke of lightning is 6 miles long,
and because thunderstorms can move at speeds of up to 25 mph or more, you
are in immediate danger any time there is detected lightning activity within 8-10
miles of your location. You must also remember that SkyScan does not predict
where the next lightning stroke might occur. Thunderstorms are unpredictable
and should be considered extremely dangerous. BE AWARE THAT STORMS
CAN FORM DIRECTLY OVER YOUR LOCATION, OFFERING LITTLE OR NO
ADVANCE WARNING, EVEN WHEN USING A SKYSCAN.
IMPORTANT! Whenever thunderstorms are present, take immediate shelter
and obtain more information from your local or regional weather professionals.
Your SkyScan may also identify certain types of especially strong storms. These
storms can produce dangerous winds, heavy rains or tornadoes. When SkyScan
detects lightning patterns indicating the presence of these storms, it activates
the Severe Thunderstorm Alarm and emits a distinctive 15 second continuous
audible tone different from the detection of normal lightning activity.
Once activated, the severe thunderstorm alarm remains on for approximately 15
minutes. At the end of this period, the SkyScan checks again for indications of
severe storm activity. If none is detected, the Severe Thunderstorm Alarm is
turned off. If severe thunderstorm conditions are still detected, the indicator
remains on for another 15 minutes, accompanied by another 15 second warning
tone.
IMPORTANT! There are two types of lightning produced by a thunderstorm,
cloud to-ground and cloud-to-cloud. For any user on the ground, the cloud toground is the most dangerous. SkyScan is designed to detect cloud to-ground
lightning strokes. While it may detect cloud-to-cloud lightning strokes, there may
be occasions where storms will produce cloud-to-cloud lightning strokes that are
not detected by the SkyScan. User should therefore still exercise extreme
caution when exposed to lightning storms.
SkyScan is designed to operate in a vertical position. The case is designed for
proper orientation when placed on a flat, stable surface. An alternative is to use
the Optional Wall Mount (see the Accessory Order Form included with this
manual). If the SkyScan is used in any other fashion, loss of accuracy and
sensitivity may result.
Your SkyScan contains hardware and ware protection against false triggering
False triggering is defined as displaying strikes that are not real. Certain
electronic products and other devices (TVs, corm computer displays, motors,
gasoline engines, radio transmitters, or other high power communications
equipment) emit high levels of electromagnetic noise which interfere with the
normal detection of lightning/storm activity, and will cause the unit to false
trigger. This is particularly true of some brands of older TVs at computer
equipment. SkyScan has the ability to identify this type of problem alert you by
continuously cycling all o indicators on the unit, as it does whet unit is first turned
on.
IMPORTANT! The false triggering alert process takes approximately 60
seconds to initiate. During this time, the SkyScan may continue to display false
triggers as if they were lightning strokes. When the noise source has been
identified as coming from something other than lightning, the SkyScan will start
the continuous cycling of its indicators. Turn the SkyScan OFF, move the unit to
a different location, turn it ON.
BASIC OPERATION
1.) BATTERY INSTALLATION
The SkyScan operates on two standard 9-volt batteries. These are installed by
first removing the battery compartment door on the lower back portion of the
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SkyScan. Proper installation position of the batteries is shown on the diagram
inside the battery compartment.
IMPORTANT! Always install batteries in the proper direction and polarity to
avoid damaging the unit. It is recommended that you use only batteries which fit
securely into the SkyScan unit.
Under typical conditions, your SkyScan will operate for more than 50 hours on
fresh 9-volt batteries. To extend battery life, use the Battery Save function
whenever possible. This feature is described in Section 6. Whenever the reserve
battery power falls to approximately 5 hours of operation, the Low Battery
Indicator will activate.
IMPORTANT! Always replace the batteries as soon as the Low Battery indicator
comes on. As battery power drops, the SkyScan loses accuracy and sensitivity.
SkyScan is programmed to automatically turn off if left unattended, and if no
storm activity is detected for a period of 5 hours. This automatic turn-off feature
can be deactivated by using the Battery Save switch described in Section 6.
2.) OPTIONAL EXTERNAL A/C POWER ADAPTER
Your SkyScan can also be powered by attaching the Optional External Power
Adapter. Insert the plug into the Jack located on the right side of the SkyScan.
The External Power Adapter can also be used with batteries installed in the unit.
When using the SkyScan with an External Power Adapter, press the Battery
Save switch twice to deactivate the automatic turn-off feature. The automatic
turn-off function is reactivated by turning off the Power On/Off switch.
IMPORTANT! Use of an External Power Adapter other than that supplied by
SkyScan will damage the unit or result in a loss of sensitivity and performance.
See the list of Optional Accessories (at the end of this manual). Many adapters
available through normal retail outlets produce high levels of noise which can
produce false triggering of your SkyScan.
3.) POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
Pressing the switch turns the unit on or off. When the SkyScan is turned on, the
indicators cycle once, beginning with the severe thunderstorm indicator and
ending with the On/Off Indicator. This allows the user to be certain that all
indicators are functioning. After several seconds, the On/Off Indicator will begin
to blink. The SkyScan is now operating normally.
4.) RANGE SELECT SWITCH
Range Select allows you to choose the distance at which detected lightning
strokes will trigger the Audible Warning Tone.
IMPORTANT! It is recommended you use the Audible Warning Tone at
maximum range whenever possible.
To activate the Range Select function, press the switch repeatedly until the
desired range category indicator is on. Do not touch the switch for a period of 3
seconds, and this range will be entered in the computer. To change the selected
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range, simply repeat the process.
5.) TONE SWITCH
The Audible Warning Tone sounds for approximately 1 second each time the
SkyScan detects a lightning stroke. The Audible Warning Tone can be turned
on or off by pressing the Tone Switch. When the Tone indicator is blinking, the
Tone is operational. When the indicator is off, the Tone has been deactivated.
IMPORTANT! The Tone function must always be turned on by the user when
SkyScan is turned on. ALWAYS check to see that the tone indicator is blinking
to be sure it is active.
6.) BATTERY SAVE SWITCH
The Battery Save feature allows you to extend the operational life of the 9-volt
batteries by deactivating most of the SkyScan visual indicators. To activate the
Battery Save feature, simply press the Battery Save switch once. The Battery
Save indicator will blink, and all other indicators on the SkyScan will turn off.
Activating the Battery Save feature automatically turns on the Audible Tone,
even if this function has been previously turned off. once in Battery Save
mode, the SkyScan continues to detect lightning strokes. Now, however, each
detected stroke is indicated only by a 1 second warning tone at the range set by
the user (see Section 4). To return the SkyScan to normal visual display of
detected lightning strokes, simply press the Battery Save switch once.
IMPORTANT! if the Audible Tone was deactivated before selecting Battery
Save it will be disabled when the SkyScan is returned to normal display mode.
Pressing the Battery Save switch twice in quick succession turns off the
automatic 5 hour turn-off feature. To indicate activation of this feature, the
On/Off indicator stays on continuously, without blinking.
IMPORTANT! This feature should be used only when SkyScan is connected to
an external power source via the optional External Power Adapter.
Even in Battery Save mode, the Severe Thunderstorm indicator will
illuminate whenever this type of storm has been identified by the SkyScan.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
SkyScan has been manufactured of the highest quality materials and
components. It should provide you with years of service with minimum
maintenance. A few important tips will maximize the operational life of your
SkyScan.
Remember, SkyScan is weather-resistant, but it is NOT waterproof. Your
SkyScan should NEVER be immersed in water.
Whenever you have used your SkyScan under damp, humid or rainy conditions,
it is recommended you remove the batteries and dry the battery terminals to
prevent corrosion.
If SkyScan is to be stored for an extended period of time, the batteries should be
removed and the unit should be stored away from high temperature, high
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humidity, or corrosive substances.
IMPORTANT! Your SkyScan contains no user serviceable parts and is not
intended to be opened, other than to insert or remove the 9-volt batteries.
Opening the case will void the Product Warranty.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
As a SkyScan customer, we are committed to your satisfaction for the life of
your SkyScan product. The SkyScan service and customer support system is
designed to ensure fast and friendly solutions to any problems you may have
with this quality SkyScan product.
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Xtreme Research Corporation, P.O. Box 336, Port Richey, FL 34673 agrees to
repair or replace this product for one year from the original date of purchase
absolutely free. This warranty does not include any physical damage to the unit
or any of its accessory items and does not cover damage to the SkyScan unit
resulting from the use of accessories not manufactured or authorized for use by
SkyScan. Any modifications or repairs by unauthorized service personnel will
void this warranty. The warranty card included in with the product package
MUST be completed and returned to Xtreme Research Corporation in Port
Richey within 30 days of purchase to validate the warranty. If the warranty card
included has not been completed and returned to SkyScan, when a unit is
presented for warranty service, a copy of the original sales receipt will be
required. You are responsible for all shipping charges to SkyScan. SkyScan will
pay for ground UPS back to the customer.
NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY HAS BEEN MADE OR WILL BE MADE
WITH RESPECT TO THE UNIT AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO
PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF
OUR PRODUCTS BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
LIMITED TO ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE.
SKYSCAN RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PERFORM MODIFICATIONS OR
IMPROVEMENTS ON ITS PRODUCTS WITHOUT INCURRING THE
OBLIGATION TO INSTALL THE CHANGES ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD,
DELIVERED OR SERVICED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS
ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
SKYSCAN'S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE COST OF REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE UNIT AND SKYSCAN SHALL IN NO EVENT BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. SOME STATES
DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
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